Hello from the Great State of Maine -
I wanted to pass on the good news to all of you (particularly you, Alley) that
we are now in the great mountain state of Maine "the way life should be" state.
We crossed the New Hampshire-Maine border two days ago and now have 265 miles
remaining of this 281 mile state. We how have hiked over 1900 miles to get to
this state.
We are hoping that we will complete Maine's "100 mile wilderness" and the 90
miles of rugged terrain between Gorham, NH and Rangely, ME. We crossed the
Mahoosuc Notch yesterday - supposed to be the toughest mile on the trail. There
was a dead moose in the notch that had fallen off the towering cliffs above - it
served as a reminder to me of what could happen if hikers slipped as they were
making the descent or climb out of the notch. We were able to complete the mile
in 2.5 hours and still work our way to a 10 mile day. Beautiful scenery - but
hikers must keep their eyes on the trail - not the scenery as Aida says.
Sprawling roots, wet rock ledges, and mud bogs abound even on mountain tops.
Much of the time we are above tree line and howling cold blasts push the wind
chills below freezing. While we completed the Whites and Presidential
mountains, we were greeted with 21 degree wind chills and 40-60 mph wind gusts.
The day after we completed Mount Washington, it was closed due to snow and ice.
I had a slight upset stomach in Gorham as we visited, so Wing-Heart, Aussie and
I decided to stay an extra day. We hiked better the following day, so I was
pleased that we had stayed.
Well, must allow others to use the system. Thanks again for your support. I
hope to give you further updates as I get time on the system.
Regards,
Jim Schiwal (Castanets)